Fireplace Fitter Caterham Surrey (CR3): Putting in a brand new fireplace or re-opening a disused fireplace in your Caterham property is an effective way to add a homely feel and a bit of charm to any room. Nippy evenings in winter can become a joy as you sit back in front of your new fireplace listening to the crackling of firewood, and if your fire is combined with a back boiler you can also enjoy free hot water to boot.
Before any actual work gets under way, for example prising away at a blocked chimney breast or knocking down the walls of a boarded up fireplace, there are some important things you need to contemplate. Any combustible appliance in residential homes in Caterham must conform to Part J of the Building Regulations, and this applies to fireplaces, flue linings, hearths and chimney breasts. If you are living in a building that is listed, or a property that sits in a designated conservation, you'll have to find out if planning permission is needed for the installation of a fireplace.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
A straightforward renovation of an existing fireplace can be achieved by a skilled DIY enthusiast, however if any building work is necessary there is the possibility of running into structural problems which need to be addressed by a professional. It might be the case that when you pull back the covering from a disused fireplace to discover a hidden gem that needs nothing more than a quick clean up and a visit from a chimney sweep to get a fire roaring once again. More likely you will come across old brickwork that needs structural reinforcement and a stopped up flue.
If a fireplace is installed in your house in Caterham and it's not put in correctly, there isn't just a risk or fire, but also of respiratory health conditions. Therefore, using a professional fireplace installer is highly recommended. Airflow must be sufficient in any room which has a fireplace; in fact it is a requirement in the Building Regulations that this is so. Dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can accumulate from an inefficiently burning fire in a poorly ventilated room.
To overcome this concern a professional Caterham fireplace fitter will analyse the situation and fit vents in the room, or underneath the flooring, to ensure a sufficient air flow for the fire to combust safely and efficiently. To avoid condensed air becoming trapped in unused or blocked off chimney flues and creating damp spots and staining, flue vents might have to be installed by the installation team to introduce some airflow.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
Chimneys are renowned for the quantity of soot and dust that can accumulate inside of them, therefore when you set out to open up an unused fireplace you can expect it to be a fairly messy enterprise. It is sensible to remove any rugs, carpets and furniture from an area where you're going to open up an old fireplace, to prevent them from being affected by dust, soot and grime that might be disturbed during the fireplace installation work. Re-opening a disused fireplace ought to be one of the initial things to be worked on, when it's just a part of a more extensive home refurbishment project. This prevents any discolouring damage to any renovated work you've already completed.
STRUCTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION WORK
Once you have opened up your old fireplace you'll have a greater idea of the work that is required, and also be in a position to rigorously sweep the chimney and clean any hearth that can be re-used. You now need to get hold of your chimney sweep, if you haven't already done so, to come and look at the old fireplace and chimney. Besides cleaning and sweeping your flue and chimney, they will also consider the condition of the flue liner and chimney and inform you whether any aspect of the chimney structure and flue needs replacing.
Construction work could be required to beef up the existing chimney breast and chimney, and it might also be necessary to put in a new flue liner. All this renovation work must follow the current UK Building Regulations which are there for your own safety. A reputable fireplace installer and builder in Caterham will be needed to perform this task, and will have the knowledge and skills in construction to follow all building regulations.
If it is necessary to change the width of opening of your original fireplace to something smaller and more suitable for your design, a supporting concrete lintel must be installed. The updating, renovation and installation of the fireplace hearth can commence once the supporting lintel is in place. If the current hearth is sunken into the floor you'll have to raise it above floor level to observe the latest Building Regulations for the UK. Pre-made solutions from marble, slate or stone are available to achieve this, or your fireplace builder in Caterham might be able to offer you a bespoke, tailor-made hearth to complement your room style.
DESIGNS AND STYLES OF FIREPLACE
Deciding on your choice of fireplace can be challenging when faced with the various shapes, sizes and designs that are available from an online dealer or fireplace showroom. Not all fireplaces may be suitable for your existing flue and chimney and it's wise to accept any advice from your fireplace installers with regards to your specific circumstances.
An open fireplace option will be suitable for some rooms and properties in Caterham, while a multi-fuel stove or a wood burner will be more suitable for others. If you're lucky enough to have a house with an inglenook fireplace for example, this is a perfect setting for an old-fashioned iron wood-burner stove. This won't just reflect the heat back into the room effectively, but will also draw your gaze towards the charm and beauty of the stove.
It is still possible to install a wood burner stove, even if you do not have an existing chimney in your Caterham home. It is possible to take a stainless steel flue directly from the top or rear of the stove and out through an exterior wall, therefore an existing chimney isn't a requirement.
GAS, ELECTRIC, MULTI-FUEL, OPEN OR WOOD FIREPLACE?
If your circumstances do not allow for a natural fireplace, what are the possible alternatives?
Multi-Fuel Stoves - To introduce a great focal point in your living space, these stoves can be run on a number of different fuels, such as oil, gas, wood or coal. They can be utilised not only for heating a room, but some designs such as the AGA range, can supply hot water, provide a useful cooking area and can be used to heat the complete property if they're plumbed into a network of radiators.
Electric Fireplaces - Straightforward installation and a wide choice of styles make electric fireplaces an extremely popular choice for Caterham houses that don't have a chimney. Even if your property has a traditional fireplace, an electric fire that seems almost like a "real" fire can be fitted.
Gas Fireplaces - Gas fireplaces are a lot better than multi-fuel stoves or wood burners when it comes to thermal efficiency, and you will find a whole host of sizes and designs to suit any house in Caterham. Gas fireplaces must only be fitted and maintained by a certified Gas Safe registered technician, (Gas Safe replaced CORGI registration in 2009).
Wood Burning Stoves - A wide variety of different styles to match any period of property in Caterham, and can even be a freestanding feature. These can provide steaming hot water to heat radiators or for other use around the house, if coupled with a back boiler.
Open Fireplaces - This is the traditional fireplace, that can create a great focal point for a room or space, and can use different fuels, such as smokeless coal, briquettes, wood and anthracite nuts nuts. In yesteryear thought of as being smoky, inefficient and draughty, a well-installed modern open fireplace can create a cosy and warm atmosphere.
You should be able to uncover fireplace fitters in Caterham, and adjacent areas like: Farleigh, Hamsey Green, Margery, Chipstead, Tandridge, Sanderstead, Bletchingley, Tatsfield, Titsey, Chaldon, Woldingham, Chelsham, Nutfield, Mugswell, Caterham on the Hill. Postcode areas like CR3 5JX, CR3 5FD, CR3 5EZ, CR3 5EN, CR3 5PD, CR3 5LE, CR3 5PH, CR3 5LD, CR3 5PR, and CR3 5BS are also covered. If a fireplace company has the postcode CR3 and the telephone code 01883, you can presume that they operate in the Caterham area. This is obviously something that you can verify if you favour hiring a locally based fireplace specialist. Caterham homeowners have the use of these and other related services at any time they need to. If you click on the "QUOTE" banner, you'll get specifics on fireplaces in your region.
Stone Fireplaces
If you're attempting to achieve a truly spectacular look with your new fireplace, what about bringing the outdoors inside with a fireplace created from natural stone? It's possible that you've already got a natural stone feature on your home's exterior, for example a boundary wall or stone facade. You could create a feature on the inside that complements those on the outside.
It's possible to create a stone fireplace with either full-depth stone or stone cladding, depending on your taste and spending budget. There is also a wide variety of stone that you can choose from, including: quartz, limestone, slate, granite, sandstone or marble.
Precisely how your completed fireplace looks, will be affected by the method of building, the kind of stone that is used and the methodology used by the stonemason or tradesman who builds it. Choose a style and design that you would like to end up with, and show the fireplace installer some pictures before they start the job.
A lot of modern day properties are not really suited to the look of a stone fireplace, mostly because stone can be so striking, and dominate the appearance of a room. However, each individual property owner has their own taste and preferences, therefore it is for them to decide.
Chimney Sweep Caterham
No matter whether you have an open fire or a log burning stove, you need to get your chimney swept on a regular basis. Chimneys should be cleaned and swept at least once yearly to keep them in a safe state.
To be confident that the task is being conducted properly, it's always a wise idea to call in a professional Caterham chimney sweep. An experienced chimney sweep won't just clean your chimney but in addition keep an eye out for safety issues.
The build-up of soot and creosote that results from failure to sweep a chimney in Caterham, could easily result in a chimney fire. A blocked chimney can also cause poisonous carbon monoxide gas to flow back into your house, a hazardous situation that you want to avoid.
All of these factors add up to the importance of choosing a reliable Caterham chimney sweep, who's also covered by public liability insurance. You can CLICK HERE for the latest chimney sweeping prices in Caterham. You can also obtain chimney sweeping services in nearby towns and areas.
Flue Liners
A flue liner is an important element of the chimney system on your house, enabling it to perform more efficiently and improving the safety of your chimney. Running the complete length of the chimney, flue liners are conduits made from an assortment of materials including stainless steel, clay or ceramics. They carry smoke and fumes outside a building. Chimneys on older buildings in Caterham may not be fitted with flue liners at all, or will need to be relined subject to their age and condition.
The dangerous fumes and gases which are produced when burning a fire can eat away at your fireplace's flue lining. Your flue lining should be regularly assessed for possible problems and damage every time it is being cleaned. Rather than expelling those dangerous gases outside, a busted flue lining can allow them to leak into your home's living area. There's additionally the danger of fires inside the home since a damaged flue lining can enable extreme heat to penetrate the chimney structure.
Caterham Fireplace Related Tasks
There is a variety of work that can be conducted by your local Caterham fireplace installer including chimney sweeping, marble fireplace surrounds, fireplace mantels, outdoor fireplaces Caterham, the installation of outside fireplaces, inset stove installation, cheap fireplace installation Caterham, fireplacequotes, marble fireplace installations, fireplace inserts, period fireplaces, wood burning fireplace installation, fake fireplaces, built-in electric fires, fireplace surrounds Caterham, 3-sided fireplaces, brick fireplace installations, fireplace packages, Victorian fireplace installation, flue liners, tiled fireplaces Caterham, electric fireplaces, stone fireplace installation, gas fireplaces in Caterham, marble fireplaces, chimney lining, Regency fireplaces Caterham, Victorian fireplace installation Caterham, hearth fireplaces Caterham, made-to-measure fireplaces, fireplace services, freestanding stoves, modern fireplace installations, fireplace installation, fireplace fitting, and lots more. Caterham professionals offering these sorts of fireplace services, will provide a full list when requested. If you have fireplace requirements in Caterham, that you cannot find here here, you can go HERE and fill out our simple quote form.
Fireplace Installation Help and Guidance
To read more regarding the various types of fireplace, electric fireplaces, the health effects of fireplaces, fireplace heating efficiency, the environmental effects of fireplaces and the evolution of fireplaces, visit the Wikipedia fireplace page. Find ideas for installing a gas fireplace on YouTube here. To understand the social media reaction to fireplace developments and trends, check this out. At present there are some fantastic guides about fireplace installation online, subsequently if you're curious to find out about fireplace mantels head here. To ask or answer questions concerning fireplace installation check out the Buildhub Forum, threads include wood burning stoves, stove vents, understanding building regulations, pellet boilers and stoves, widening a fireplace and chimney designs.
Leaving a Review for a Job Well Done
For any business in Caterham, reviews are their driving force, and the difference between a prospective customer appointing a specific fireplace company, or going somewhere else, may be whether or not they have excellent online reviews. You may wish to take the time to thank someone who's done a good job, by leaving a review of their workmanship and performance. Prospective future clients can benefit from hearing your personal experience, and there are naturally benefits for the company too. If you studied reviews to pick someone to install a fireplace, you will appreciate how helpful that process was. Even if a company website appeared to be extremely impressive, if it was not backed up by positive reviews and feedback, you would probably have looked at other possibilities.
However, when you're on a business's own website, how can the so called customer reviews you see be relied on? Were "real" customers involved in writing these, or were they "thought up" by a company employee trying to make them look better than they are?
Looking at the reviews on Google My Business listings is a great way to look for honest and authentic online reviews. Prospective customers in Caterham, and all around the world, examine the reputation of companies each day on this widely trusted website. The key Google My Business rival is Bing Places for Business, which is the second largest review website for local companies in Caterham. A decent review here can assist in raising the profile of the company that worked on your project and generate an overview of their reliability and working standards.
Leaving feedback on Twitter and Facebook pages is just as powerful for promoting a company that has performed admirably. The media and marketing campaigns of any small company in Caterham will rely heavily on these social media giants. Contributing your own approving reviews on Facebook or Twitter will help reinforce their promotional message, and perhaps generate more prospects.
Even in these high-tech, modern times, an 'old school' hand-written thankyou letter is still appropriate. Such letters can be put in a frame for display in reception areas, compiled to build a portfolio of reviews which is beneficial in one on one meetings with potential clients, or photographed and published on the reviews page of the business website or Instagram page. However you create your review it's a wonderful feeling to think that you may have helped a local small business get a better foothold in the competitive market.
Friends & Family
Family and friends are a fantastic source of recommendations, when you're looking for a contractor in Caterham for your project or undertaking. Word of mouth references are often the most effective way choose someone who is perfect for your needs, and equally can weed out a cowboy fireplace contractor or a company that has an awful reputation.
If you're aware that a relative or friend has used a particular contractor, you can get an insight into their reliability and punctuality. They'll also be able to let you know if anything went awry, and how quickly any errors were resolved. They should also be in a position to tell you how accurate the original estimate was compared to the eventual price, which, unless they've got a price guarantee, is frequently difficult to obtain from the installers directly.
Ultimately, the folks that who you know and can depend on are your relatives and friends, so in regards to advice, rely on them. It's likely that they've had a poor experience, if they're reluctant to chat about a specific contractor or fireplace installer. Although it may not necessarily be the case, in some situations people are happier to talk about a decent quality contractor than they are about a mediocre one, and might even offer some alternative company instead of 'casting aspersions on' one that didn't fully meet their expectations.
Fireplace Installers Near Caterham
Also find: Bletchingley fireplace installers, Nutfield fireplace installers, Tandridge fireplace installers, Titsey fireplace installers, Tatsfield fireplace installers, Woldingham fireplace installers, Caterham on the Hill fireplace installers, Mugswell fireplace installers, Sanderstead fireplace installers, Chipstead fireplace installers, Chelsham fireplace installers, Chaldon fireplace installers, Hamsey Green fireplace installers, Margery fireplace installers, Farleigh fireplace installers and more. The majority of these localities are serviced by people who fit fireplaces. These seasoned tradesmen's experience and knowledge make them well-suited for the successful installation of fireplaces in your home. Residents can experience the ambiance, warmth and comfort that a fireplace brings to their living spaces with the help of these dedicated experts. To obtain fireplace installation quotations, local home and property owners can simply click here. Why not start your fireplace installation right away?
Fireplace Services Caterham
- Open Fireplaces
- Victorian Fireplaces
- Brick Fireplace Installation
- Fireplace Mantels
- Fireplace Installation Services
- Marble Fireplace Installation
- Cast Iron Fireplace Installation
- Fireplace Surrounds
- Fireplace Installers
- Tiled Fireplaces
- Gas Fireplaces
- Fireplace Repairs
- Fireplace Installation
- Electric Fireplace Installation
More Caterham Tradespeople: Whenever you are considering doing improvements to your home in Caterham, Surrey, it's quite possible that you'll need a number of different tradesmen during the course of the project, and although you may be currently searching for a local Caterham fireplace installer, you could also require the services of stone cleaning in Caterham, a metal worker in Caterham, a plasterer in Caterham, an electrician in Caterham, a painter and decorator in Caterham, a stonemason in Caterham, a heating engineer in Caterham, a roofing specialist in Caterham, a handyman in Caterham, SKIP HIRE in Caterham, a chimney sweep in Caterham, screeding in Caterham, waste removal in Caterham, a carpenter and joiner in Caterham, a damp proofer in Caterham, a building contractor in Caterham, a bricklayer in Caterham, roof cleaning in Caterham, and more.
To obtain local info regarding Caterham, Surrey go here
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Fireplace installation in CR3 area, and dialling code 01883.
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